Marker of Hope by Nely Cab Read Free Book Online Page B

ear. “Galilea? Yes, it’s David.”

CHAPTER 8

    The address Galilea gave David took us right
outside of town, to a gated community hidden by trees. I’d passed
by it many times and didn’t even know it existed. It was a perfect
hideout.
    The gateway was wide enough to allow one car
to exit and one car to enter. A female security guard approached us
as soon as we pulled up to the gate.
    “May I help you?” she asked.
    “We’re guests of Miss Galilea Kristos,” David
told her.
    “And your name, sir?”
    “David Chios.”
    “One moment while I verify, please.”
    The guard walked back to the security booth.
From the car, I could see her talking on the phone. A minute later,
the gate rolled open, and she waved us in.
    The houses in the neighborhood were fashioned
in Old Spanish style, complete with terra-cotta shingles, balconies
lined with potted flowers overlooking the street, and blooming
bougainvillea plants spread across the yards.
    David brought the car to a stop at a
canary-yellow house with white trim and a brick-red roof. Dr.
Gunn’s wife—Eileen—was waiting for us at the door. I tightened the
sweatpants strings on my waist—the ones David wore earlier—and
stepped out of the car.
    “Isis.” Eileen hugged me, and then shook
David’s hand. She studied the scratches on his face. “What happened
to you?”
    “Demons,” I said. “They found me,
Eileen.”
    “They attacked Isis as she was leaving my
house,” David added.
    “Attacked?” Eileen’s eyes immediately fell to
my stomach. “Have you experienced any sharp lower abdominal pains
or bleeding?”
    “None,” I said.
    “You know she’s pregnant?” David sounded
surprised.
    “Yes,” Eileen said. “Galilea gave us the news
yesterday.”
    “I see. Well, in spite of Isis saying she
feels fine, I’d still like Dr. Gunn to examine her. If possible?”
David hugged me with one arm. “She took a number of falls, and I’m
concerned for hers and the baby’s well-being.”
    “Yes, yes. Of course.” Eileen opened the door
wider. “Come in. Tobias is in the lab, prepping.”
    “And Galilea?” I asked as I observed the
stone floors and rustic interior of the house.
    “In her room. I’ll get her, and then I’ll see
if Tobias is ready to start.” She moved some newspapers off the
couch. “Have a seat.”
    I sat down, but David remained standing. It
wasn’t long before Galilea walked into the living room. She walked
past me without acknowledge my presence.
    “David.” She kissed him on both cheeks, and
then paused to study the marks on his face. “It’s nice to see
you.”
    “Likewise,” David said.
    “Galilea, we need to talk,” I said, rising
from the sofa. “Actually, I need to do the talking. I’m sorry I’m
such a poor excuse of a friend.”
    She didn’t respond. Didn’t even look in my
direction.
    “I don’t want you to be angry at me anymore,”
I said.
    She crossed her arms. I took a step closer to
her.
    “Galilea, I value your friendship, and I
don’t want to lose you.”
    After a moment, she said, “Apology
tentatively accepted.”
    “Thanks.” I hugged her, but she didn’t return
my embrace. “Why are you in pajamas in the middle of the day?”
    “Because I’m sick,” she said.
    “Sick?” David creased his brow. “Of?”
    “Her, mostly.” She jerked her chin in my
direction, and then sized me up. “Are you shrinking or something?
What’s wrong with your clothes?”
    “I borrowed them from David. I fell in a
lake.”
    “How?” Galilea asked.
    I pulled my shirtsleeve up to show her the
marks the demons’ claws had left on me. She glanced at David’s
face, and I saw as realization washed over her face.
    “Oh.” Galilea’s jaw dropped. “I shouldn’t
have left.” She clasped her hands. “Are you okay? I mean, is the
baby okay?”
    “I think so,” I said. “I feel fine.”
    “You left the house after I specifically told
you not to.” Galilea’s brows pulled together. “You never